4RunnerAuto
New member
Hey all, looking for some input as I consider selling the 4runner. This isn’t a for sale ad, I’m really seeking advice, but I’m providing the details of the vehicle below for context:
1990 4x4 3VZFE A/T with 232,594 miles
* Pretty much all original.
* Had leveling kit/upgraded spring kit installed a long time ago.
* Has transmission cooler add on with coolant reservoir delete.
* Recently replaced both CV axles and they’ve seen ~15k road/highway miles and <5 miles of 4x4 time;
* rebuilt front and rear brake system (new brake booster too) which has seen less than 1000 miles;
* Body is in good condition for it’s age, but with typical surface rust in areas on the hood, and small areas of the striping that runs along the length of the car
* Body with minor damage from previous fender benders that left damage to PS rocker panel, and some minor unresolved issues around the front grill/headlights and other cosmetics around the PS running board and PS rear bumper (I’ll post pictures if I can figure that out).
* The frame is in perfect condition. Zero rust on the undercarriage. This is historically a TX car from 1990 to 2017; it spent one winter in NJ and I religiously sprayed the undercarriage when travel on salted roads was unavoidable. Moved from NJ to FL 2018.
* head gasket(s) blew. Haha, tricked you into reading this far, may as well keep going. The heads have blown and been repaired THREE TIMES previously. This is the 4th time. First time was done by Toyota on the recall order. Second and third times completed by a local shop when my dad was the owner of the car. (So I’m like, 2.5 owner)
* Before the headgaskets blew at the beginning of this year, the car was my daily driver. Had some issues with a rough idle from time to time, but that’s a bit of a moot point at this juncture.
I really like the car, and I know that these things go for lots of money (relative) if they’re in great or restored condition. They’re super cool, I love the second gens perhaps the most if you discount the motor (lol); it’s got the tailgate and all that jazz. Second gens are pretty sweet.
I have done a decent amount of introductory research about the 3.4 swap. I’m a fair DIY mechanic, having completed lots of non-trivial jobs on this and other vehicles, but the 3.4 swap feels out of my league and seems to have too many potential pit falls. I’ve never done an engine swap, haven’t even done an engine replacement. I would be less nervous about doing a replacement myself, but I’m really not interested in putting another 3.0 in this vehicle. FOUR blown headgaskets @ 232k...
So, basically the car has very little value now, despite all of the $$ that I put into it over the last couple of years (lots recently). I’m in the Miami area, and I’ve got a mechanic that I like a lot who rebuilds Toyotas (especially 4runners, Tacomas, and t-100s) to sell in Haiti. He wasn’t willing to “help me out” (I pay him to complete) the 3.4 swap. I’m on to an “old flame” project vehicle now so I’m pretty sure the 4runner is headed on to greener pastures.
* I’m curious what your opinions are on the car’s current value, just totally as is. I feel like an enthusiast would be willing to give a fair price understanding the “flip-able” nature of the car after some work or money invested.
* What if I dropped in a good 3.0 and then sold it as a running vehicle?
* Does a 3.4 swap add value, or increase risk, for a buyer? It seems like a niche-market thing at that point, something for a real T4R enthusiast.
* I’m going to do whatever I can to keep the thing out of a scrap yard, but it’s an unfortunate possibility.
* I don’t think parting it out is a realistic option; my landlord had me put it in our lease that I would not create any situations with “junk” vehicles on the property. Open to ideas on this though.
Any thoughts, different perspectives, advice, or other insights are most welcome! I’ve really enjoyed learning about the truck with this forum as my main guide and source of inspiration. I’m sure lots of you out there will have good ideas about how to deal with this truck to maybe keep it on the road, even if it’s in the hands of another. Oh and maybe it’ll help my wallet situation, too.
1990 4x4 3VZFE A/T with 232,594 miles
* Pretty much all original.
* Had leveling kit/upgraded spring kit installed a long time ago.
* Has transmission cooler add on with coolant reservoir delete.
* Recently replaced both CV axles and they’ve seen ~15k road/highway miles and <5 miles of 4x4 time;
* rebuilt front and rear brake system (new brake booster too) which has seen less than 1000 miles;
* Body is in good condition for it’s age, but with typical surface rust in areas on the hood, and small areas of the striping that runs along the length of the car
* Body with minor damage from previous fender benders that left damage to PS rocker panel, and some minor unresolved issues around the front grill/headlights and other cosmetics around the PS running board and PS rear bumper (I’ll post pictures if I can figure that out).
* The frame is in perfect condition. Zero rust on the undercarriage. This is historically a TX car from 1990 to 2017; it spent one winter in NJ and I religiously sprayed the undercarriage when travel on salted roads was unavoidable. Moved from NJ to FL 2018.
* head gasket(s) blew. Haha, tricked you into reading this far, may as well keep going. The heads have blown and been repaired THREE TIMES previously. This is the 4th time. First time was done by Toyota on the recall order. Second and third times completed by a local shop when my dad was the owner of the car. (So I’m like, 2.5 owner)
* Before the headgaskets blew at the beginning of this year, the car was my daily driver. Had some issues with a rough idle from time to time, but that’s a bit of a moot point at this juncture.
I really like the car, and I know that these things go for lots of money (relative) if they’re in great or restored condition. They’re super cool, I love the second gens perhaps the most if you discount the motor (lol); it’s got the tailgate and all that jazz. Second gens are pretty sweet.
I have done a decent amount of introductory research about the 3.4 swap. I’m a fair DIY mechanic, having completed lots of non-trivial jobs on this and other vehicles, but the 3.4 swap feels out of my league and seems to have too many potential pit falls. I’ve never done an engine swap, haven’t even done an engine replacement. I would be less nervous about doing a replacement myself, but I’m really not interested in putting another 3.0 in this vehicle. FOUR blown headgaskets @ 232k...
So, basically the car has very little value now, despite all of the $$ that I put into it over the last couple of years (lots recently). I’m in the Miami area, and I’ve got a mechanic that I like a lot who rebuilds Toyotas (especially 4runners, Tacomas, and t-100s) to sell in Haiti. He wasn’t willing to “help me out” (I pay him to complete) the 3.4 swap. I’m on to an “old flame” project vehicle now so I’m pretty sure the 4runner is headed on to greener pastures.
* I’m curious what your opinions are on the car’s current value, just totally as is. I feel like an enthusiast would be willing to give a fair price understanding the “flip-able” nature of the car after some work or money invested.
* What if I dropped in a good 3.0 and then sold it as a running vehicle?
* Does a 3.4 swap add value, or increase risk, for a buyer? It seems like a niche-market thing at that point, something for a real T4R enthusiast.
* I’m going to do whatever I can to keep the thing out of a scrap yard, but it’s an unfortunate possibility.
* I don’t think parting it out is a realistic option; my landlord had me put it in our lease that I would not create any situations with “junk” vehicles on the property. Open to ideas on this though.
Any thoughts, different perspectives, advice, or other insights are most welcome! I’ve really enjoyed learning about the truck with this forum as my main guide and source of inspiration. I’m sure lots of you out there will have good ideas about how to deal with this truck to maybe keep it on the road, even if it’s in the hands of another. Oh and maybe it’ll help my wallet situation, too.
